by “The world is suddenly a vast and exciting place brimming with different cultures and bits of knowledge and ways of life,” Hannah Georgen, senior communications major, said after returning from her semester studying at Oxford University in England.
Many students of Corban University get the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study abroad in another part of the country or across the world through the AMBEX and BestSemester programs, as well as tours through Great Britain and Israel. Students not only get to see new places and sate their wanderlust, they also gain an advantage in life after graduation.
These many programs endow students with a vast variety of new skills that will be instrumental in furthering their careers. For Charis Dressel, junior music major who participated in the Great Britain Academic Tour, these skills directly apply to her desire to teach. “I am able to tell my students about the history behind music and make it more personal to them because I have been to the places,” she said.
Some student gain more universal skills in the way of being able to problem solve. “Learning how to navigate and problem solve in a foreign country, taught me a lot about working together and using my brain to figure things out,” Morgan Schmidt, senior, said after her study through AMBEX.
A distinct advantage of studying abroad is being able to stand out among other applicants for jobs. Employers often see studying abroad as a unique strength in college grads. “I think being an alum of Oxford University would definitely look impressive on a resume. When employers look at it, they will perceive it as an indication of a diligent hard worker who can thrive under challenging pressures and deadlines,” Georgen said.
Studying abroad can also bolster a student’s future work environment since they have new communication and work skills that play into inter-office relationships. “You have a better understanding of people and cultures. You are able to work with more kids of people and know how to adjust your style of communication and work to best work with theirs,” Schmidt said.
Many students came back with a new desire to work internationally, having gotten outside of their comfort zone in America. “My career goal is to work in international human rights law. My study abroad experience definitely affirmed that desire that God has given me,” Olivia Wall said after her semester at Oxford.
“My career goal is to work in international human rights law. My study abroad experience definitely affirmed that desire that God has given me” – Olivia Wall
Georgen heartily agreed, “In England I found a home of wonderful people who seek to better understand the workings of the world. After I graduate this year I’m seriously considering moving to Wales or England and just working there for a year to experience the world.”
“It gives [students] dreams that show your life isn’t limited to your major,” Dressel said after explaining her dream to work in C.S. Lewis’ house after graduating.
“Not everyone can study abroad, so if you have, it can set you apart,” Wall said.
If you are interested in studying abroad go http://www.ambex.org/ or http://www.bestsemester.com/ for more information about each of the programs. Then schedule a Study Abroad Advising Session to get started!
Author Natasha Wilson is an English major at Corban University.
